E was literally ecstatic to see "Crazy Grandpa." They did a lot of bonding - E completely monopolized Grandpa's time.
The next day we drove to Ahipara in the Far North District (some five-hour drive north of Auckland). Ahipara is at the southern end of the stunning, world famous 90 Mile Beach (an unspoiled sandy beach that curves its way up the western shoreline almost to Cape Reinga). The beach and the area are renowned for spectacular scenery.
Ahipara has a proud history of Maori settlement, gum digging, and sea adventures. The name "Ahipara" means "Sacred Fire" - this ancient fire was apparently kept burning constantly for the village.
Popular local pastimes are surfcasting, sunbathing, surfing, land yachting, walking, fishing, shellfish gathering, dune riding, body boarding, kite flying, hang gliding and relaxing. Relaxing and playing were what we did!
Our place was right on the beach. We loved it!
One morning, before anyone else woke up, I went for a walk on the beach. Not a soul was out there besides me.
E quickly made friends with the owners' pets.
And we enjoyed watching the horses on a nearby pasture.
We hung out on the beach a lot.
E enjoyed climbing up and running down the sand dunes.
And here is a little scene that makes me laugh each time I see it!
Hilarious!
One day, Eric and I went on a tour to Cape Reinga (the northmost point of New Zealand). On the way to the Cape we stopped at the Kauri Kingdom where we learned more about the use of Kauri trees.
This staircase was carved in one Kauri tree trunk!
We had a couple stops on the way to the Cape. The scenery was amazing!
Finally, after about 2.5 hours, we got to the Cape and the well-photographed lighthouse.
It is here, where the two seas meet: the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
We loved the views!
On the way back, we went tobogganing on Giant Dunes.
And we rode for over 40 miles on the 90-mile beach.
We visted the local winery. Unfortunately, none of us fancied their wines.
And we went to the Nocturnal Park where E fed an ostrich.
The boys fed dog food to the eels.
Armed with flashlights, we all went into a cave and saw a whole bunch of glow worms (and spiders).
And we checked out the kiwi house where, unfortunately, the only kiwi bird we saw was stuffed.
We celebrated E's 2nd B-day on the 31st of December.
He loved the cake but the Birthday horse ride was an even better treat.
On the 1st of January, we headed back home. Carol and Sandy were leaving for the US the following day. We were sad to see them go. E kept asking for and talking about "Gampa" for many days after they had left.
Clothes washed and suitcases repacked, Eric, E and I were getting ready to fly to Adelaide on the 3rd.
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